Looking Unto the Cross..... A devotional for the 1st Sunday of LENT Sunday, March 12

Some years ago when we were returning from a weekend in Toronto, Canada, I started to get the feeling we were lost. Suddenly nothing looked familiar. My husband, who was driving, chatted happily remembering the weekend. He was oblivious to the fact we were off course. The more time passed, the more and more uneasy I became. Finally I asked if we could stop at a gas station to verify that we were going in the right direction. That was the first time I remember being aware of my need for visual cues as we traveled. As the navigator I read the maps, check routes, and exits. But when my eyes are not on the map, they are looking at old barns, Victorian houses, shops or unusual trees or landscapes. Those become my markers to know I am on the right route home. In much the same way, the men of faith in scripture sought to lay down faith markers as touchstones. Each meeting with God was something to be remembered on later journeys. Altars were built, Religious observances developed, Markers erected, each one intended to bring to mind the "Holy" moment, when they once more passed that way. Just as in the Old Testament Jacob marked the place of His dream (Gen28:18-19), just as the Passover is a Celebration for all generations (Dt16:1), just as Moses marked the place God gave him Victory with an altar (Ex17:15), we too need touchstones to remind us of our journey. So we celebrate the days of our Baptism, we remember Him in the breaking of the bread (John 22;19), we hang crosses in our homes, or have a "special" place where we have met God before Lent is such a time. It is a marker in our spiritual journey. It is a time to search our hearts and see who sits on the throne. It is a time to remember that to carry our cross is to be victorious in obedience. It is a time to set down new "secret" markers to carry in our hearts. What is God saying to you this Lenten season? Is it something worth laying down a marker for a remembrance on your journey? Will it give you a new direction? Teresa Riordan Buffalo, NY USA Scripture: Isa 6:1 1Ki 18:30 Prayer: Loving Father, Allow this season to be a new spiritual marker in my life. I ask that you empty my heart of all that is not of you. So that the train of your robe so fill the temple of my heart that there is room there for nothing but Your Love and Your Grace. I ask this in the name of the One who laid down His Life that I might live--Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen Suggested Daily Scripture Reading [Psalms 63, 98] [Dan. 9:3-10] [ Heb. 2:10-18] [John 12:44-50] Visit: 1999 Advent/Christmas Series Epiphany Series You may send e-mail comments or suggestions toYvonne Edwards. Edited: Mar. 4, 7:30 p.m. Page designed by: Cecil Wallace Prayer by: Teresa Riordan The background set is provided by Heaven's Designs Copyright © 2000 NazNet All rights reserved. International copyright secured.